George N. Austin Jr.

George was born in South Philadelphia in 1950 to George and Anna Austin and was raised in West Deptford Township, N.J.

He is survived by his daughter, Christina M. Austin of Newport News; stepson, Anthony R. Rondeau of Virginia Beach; sister, Anna D'Amico, and husband, Frank, and their children, Jenna and Andrew; brother, John H. Austin, and wife, Pat, and their children, Brianna and Johnny; brother, Dan Austin, and wife, Robyn, and their children, Stephanie and Dan Jr.; and his dear friend, caretaker and partner, Frances Davis.

Music played a large part in George's life going back to when he was five years old. He loved emulating the sounds of the great performers during his many shows. George performed at many venues over the years and recorded over five CDs. Crooning the American Music Book, he was a favorite at many social organizations and retirement communities. He brought joy to the hearts of many by recreating memories of great songs from songwriters Johnny Mercer, Cole Porter and Nelson Riddle. He performed for the local Colonial Italian Organization, performing his Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra act to the delight of the audience. His show was called, 'The Sounds of the Legends.'

He served in the United States Air Force as a Security Police Officer, including 18 months in the Republic of Vietnam. George retired from the Poquoson Police Department in 2001 after serving 27 years. This service included several years as a member of the Virginia State Police Peninsula Drug-Task Force. Governor James Gilmore and U.S. Attorney Helen Fayney gave him commendations for his investigative work on several international drug cases that he was involved in.

George retired as a detective. He was employed by the Kingsmill Police and served as their Sergeant and was appointed their first Investigator prior to his illness.

George was a Past-All State VFW Post Commander from Post 10296 of Poquoson, First District Service Officer for the American Legion and a member of Legion Post 273. He worked with then Congressman Herbert Bateman and U.S. Senator John Warner in assisting families with veterans' problems and claims.

He also served as Senior Vice-Commander Poquoson Post 273 and was a member of the Vietnam Security Police Organization. He received two service stars on his Vietnam Service Medal and was a recipient of the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with V-Cluster, and received the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

George was the Past State President of the Virginia Fraternal Order of Police from 1984 to 1988, a National Executive Board Officer of the National FOP from 1985 to 1993, a Past President of the Hampton FOP Lodge 26, a lifetime member of the VFW Post 176 of Newport News, a former member of the Institute of Justice and Advisory Committee, IACP Policy Board, representing the regular members, and a past chairman of the FOP National Police Week in Washington, D.C.

George was a graduate of Thomas Nelson Community College, receiving an AAS Degree in Police Science.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hampton FOP Lodge #26 of Hampton, Va., and the Gloucester County Special Services Education Foundation (GCSSEF/Autism), 1340 Tanyard Road, Sewell, NJ 08080, in memory of George Austin.

Nelsen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. On-line condolences may be registered at www.nelsenfh.com.